Does matcha stain teeth? As our fellow tea enthusiasts and oral hygiene aficionados may be pleased to hear, matcha does not directly stain teeth.
But can matcha stain your teeth if you’re not careful? Yes, it can overtime unless you follow the tips in this guide!
Let's embark on a toothsome adventure and separate the fact from fiction, all while sipping our delightful cups of matcha!
Does Matcha Stain Your Teeth?
Matcha's vibrant green color might lead you to believe it's a tooth-staining villain lurking in disguise. After all, it's a powdered substance that's bound to leave its mark, right?
Well, not so fast! Unlike its notorious cousin, coffee, matcha owes its color to a natural pigment called chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is actually beneficial for your teeth, as it has been shown to help combat bad breath and maintain a fresh mouth.
Why Does Matcha Tea Stain Teeth?
So why does matcha stain teeth if it doesn’t contain so many tannins? While matcha doesn’t directly stain teeth, it can color the plaque on your teeth. This is why your tongue and teeth can turn green after you drink a lot of matcha but it won’t last.
The Truth about Tannins
Ah, tannins. These organic compounds are often associated with staining teeth and are found in beverages like red wine and black tea. But fear not! Matcha contains significantly lower levels of tannins compared to other teas.
This means you can enjoy your latte matcha or bowl of whisked matcha without worrying about tannin-induced tooth discoloration.
The tannins in tea can also make the tea taste bitter. If you want to learn how to avoid this, you can read our article 👉 Why Green Tea is Bitter & How to Reduce the Bitterness
Does Matcha Stain Your Teeth Compared to Coffee?
So does matcha stain teeth more than a beverage like coffee for example? The answer is no. While matcha only has the capacity to stain the plaque on your teeth, coffee really can color your teeth overtime.
As we will discuss in a later section, the catechins in matcha actually have the potential to prevent your teeth from staining. Also, matcha functions as an antibacterial, preventing stain causing bacteria from taking hold.
If you're trying to switch from coffee to green tea, you may be looking for a tea that tastes like coffee and we have you covered 👉 Complete Guide about Tea that Tastes like Coffee
Does Matcha Stain Other things?
While the answer to the question "does matcha stain teeth" is a complicated, yet resounding “no” matcha can stain basically everything else, including clothes, furniture and paper. This is why you need to exercise caution when preparing and pouring matcha tea.
Why Does Matcha Stain Other Things?
As we mentioned before, while matcha doesn’t contain tannins, it does have powerful coloring agents like chlorophyll that can put an unintentional splash of green on your favorite outfit! Matcha tea is a collection of small green leaf particles that can get trapped in fibers and lead to staining.
If you’re interested in whether or not does matcha stain things like clothes, you can read our article 👉 Does Matcha Stain Clothes? Yes, But Don't Panic Yet!
Can Matcha Stain Your Teeth if You’re Not Careful?
Matcha can stain the plaque found on your teeth, which forms between 4 to 12 hours after your last brushing. This is why it is so important to brush your teeth frequently, especially if you're a tea lover!
We also recommend that you rinse your mouth out after you drink matcha tea. This will remove the leaf particles from your mouth and keep you with a pearly white smile.
Why is Matcha Good for Teeth?
So the answer to the question does matcha stain teeth is “not necessarily”. The answer to can matcha stain your teeth is a yes, if you’re not careful, but can matcha actually be good for your teeth? Yes, it can, and here are a few reasons why.
Catechins
When it comes to oral health, matcha emerges as a champion. Packed with catechins, potent antioxidants, matcha possesses the power to combat harmful bacteria, reduce plaque formation, and even aid in preventing tooth decay.
These catechins work their magic by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
Chlorophyll
Additionally, matcha's natural abundance of chlorophyll helps freshen breath and maintain oral hygiene. It’s funny to think earlier we were asking does matcha tea stain teeth because of the chlorophyll, and now we know the chlorophyll can actually be good for teeth!
Fluoride
One of the hidden gems within matcha is its fluoride content, which contributes to its dental benefits. Fluoride is a mineral known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods.
Matcha naturally contains fluoride, derived from the soil in which the tea plants are grown. When you enjoy a cup of matcha, you're not only savoring its exquisite flavor but also giving your teeth a little boost of mineral goodness.
If you're interested in the other ways matcha can benefit your health, we suggest you take a look at our guide 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Does Matcha Stain Teeth as a Warning Sign?
Another thing we can take a look at is “does matcha stain teeth as a warning sign?”. For example, According to Dr. Patterson, a dental surgeon, "If you see stains on your teeth from Matcha, then you might have grooves or chips in your teeth, or you're not brushing and flossing correctly."
This means that matcha can actually provide a benefit to your teeth even if it does stain. It gives you a warning that you need to take better care of your teeth. So for all these reasons and more, matcha is a good choice when it comes to keeping a healthy smile!
Does Matcha Stain Teeth? The Final Verdict
So if you concerned matcha fans out there are wondering does matcha stain your teeth, you can rest easy. In fact matcha can actually be good for your teeth. It can even alert you to more serious issues that you can take a look at before it’s too late!
Remember, your brushing and flossing routine are still essential to keep your teeth gleaming. So, go ahead, indulge in that vibrant green cup of matcha, and enjoy the numerous health benefits it has to offer, all while keeping your teeth squeaky clean. Cheers to a bright and beautiful smile!
